Cause of death revealed for NFL star Ray Lewis' son Ray Lewis III

Ray Lewis III, son of NFL star Ray Lewis, sadly passed away earlier this year - and his cause of death has now been revealed.

The news of the 28-year-old athlete's untimely death was announced on June 15 through an Instagram story shared by his younger brother, Rahsaan.

While no specific details about the circumstances were provided, Rahsaan posted a photo of his brother along with the words: "Really can't believe I'm even typing this but RIP big brother."

"A true angel I pray [you're] at peace now because ik how much you [were] rlly hurtin I don't and won't ever have the words man cuz this pain right here [sic]," he continued. "I love you I love you I love you. Your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian I promise I'll make you smile and proud."

Rahsaan's tribute to his older brother Ray. Credit: Instagram

Following his tragic death, autopsy results have been obtained by TMZ which have shed light on how the 28-year-old lost his life.

The documents revealed that Lewis died from fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine intoxication while the toxicology report also stated that he had alcohol and alprazolam (the drug found in Xanax) in his system.

Lewis's death was ruled as accidental.

The athlete was a standout running back during his time at Lake Mary Preparatory School in Florida, impressively rushing for 1,898 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season, in addition to accumulating 676 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver.

Following in his father's illustrious footsteps, who is widely regarded as the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history, Ray joined the Miami Hurricanes for his college career in 2013 before transferring to Coastal Carolina University in 2015.

His football career hit a roadblock in 2016 when he was dismissed from the team and the university due to an indictment by a South Carolina grand jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault. However, after a thorough investigation, the charges were eventually dropped by the police, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.

Lewis later completed his college tenure with the Virginia Union Panthers in 2017. Afterward, he briefly ventured into the professional realm, playing for an indoor football team called the Wyoming Mustangs in 2021, before shifting gears towards pursuing a career in the music industry.

Speaking to TMZ Sports after the tragic announcement, Virginia Union Associate Head Coach Diego Ryland expressed: "Great young man and a better teammate. The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray."

Mark James, Lewis' coach at Virginia Union, also shared his sentiments on Facebook, saying: "Two RIP posts for my former players back to back. Young man it was a pleasure to bring you to Virginia Union. Ray Ray May God bless your family. Great young man."

"Ray was a tremendous young man who played with the spirit of a lion," Mark James, Lewis's coach at VUU, told the Baltimore Sun. "He was a great asset to the Virginia Union family. He will always be a Panther. May God bless his family."

Lewis's sister Diaymon also paid tribute. Credit: Instagram

Lewis's sister Diaymon Lewis, also paid tribute to her late brother on her Instagram Story, writing: "Brownie I love you with all of my heart. You will always be my first love and truly are the definition of a quintessential brother. To the most genuine and talented person I know, go get your rest baby and I'm glad you're at peace. Fly high baby."

Ray Lewis honored his son at his funeral, stating: "We will see you again."

Featured image credit: Al Bello/Getty